TORONTO – Jason Kipnis and Mike Napoli homered, and Cleveland’s bullpen pulled off its most impressive feat yet in these American League playoffs, taking over after Trevor Bauer’s first-inning exit and holding off theToronto Blue Jays in a 4-2 victory Monday night that moved the Indians within one win of their first pennant since 1997.
Six relievers combined for 25 outs and 128 pitches, limiting Toronto to two runs and seven hits as the Indians took a 3-0 lead in the AL Championship Series. Unbeaten in six playoff games this year, Cleveland can complete its second consecutive sweep on Tuesday.
Indians ace Corey Kluber is expected to start Game 4 on short rest after Bauer’s drone-related finger injury created more upheaval in a rotation that’s been short-handed all postseason. Bauer faced only four batters before being pulled after his right pinkie began dripping blood.
Enter the Cleveland relievers, who helped the Indians to a Division Series sweep over Boston and have them on the verge of another one against Toronto.
After Bauer left with two down in the first, the final 25 Toronto outs were distributed as follows: four each for Dan Otero and Jeff Manship, three for Zach McAllister, five each for Bryan Shaw and Cody Allen, and four for Andrew Miller.